The Maritime College women's volleyball team finished up its 2018 campaign at the Bard College tri-match Saturday afternoon. The Privateers fell to the host Raptors in straight sets and then dropped a three set decision to Penn State Abington.

In the opening match, Maritime struggled offensively, but continued to battle and find ways to keep the sets close. The first set started out strong for the Privateers as they jumped out to an 8-4 lead powered by two kills from Celyna Custodio (Danbury, Conn./Danbury). However, Bard College quickly answered and took a 23-15 advantage late into the set behind some strong serving. The run was too much for Maritime to overcome and ended up falling 25-18.

The second frame started out in similar fashion as Maritime took an early 12-9 lead. Once again, the Raptors had the answer and found their rhythm in the middle of the set. Bard ran nine of the next 11 points to take a 19-14 lead. The Privateers continued to try and fight back to get into the set, but they couldn't put together the run they needed and dropped the set 25-17.

The third set saw a more even start as both teams were trading the lead and the score ended up tied at 15-15. The Raptors were able to win the next two points and never look back as they escaped with a 25-19 win.

Abby Steele (Crossville, Tenn./Stone Memorial) led the defense with 12 digs as well as adding a team-high five kills. Sophomore setter Erika Kirchner (Meadowmere Park, N.Y./Lawrence) dished out 11 assists on the match for the Privateers.

Maritime started out slow in the second match of the day, but ended up playing Penn State Abington close as the match went on. However, the Privateers fell in straight sets 25-8, 25-18, 25-22.

Meredith Hayes (Houston, Texas/St. Agnes Academy) led the offense with six kills and a .100 hitting percentage to compliment her team-high three service aces. Kirchner tallied 15 assists and Abby Solomos (Mt. Sinai, N.Y./Mt. Sinai) picked up 16 digs to lead the defense.

The Privateers finish the 2018 season 7-19 overall and 4-6 in Skyline play.